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Rectal bleeding in IBS can occur. There are many causes and we will discuss this further here. It has to be remembered that serious causes only account for about 1% of cases and a lot are never even seen by doctors. So, if you find blood in the toilet or on wiping, it is important to get it checked out, but don't fear the worse,as many cases are not of significance.
Most people, at somepoint in their lives, will notice bleeding and the most common causes for this include hemorrhoids (haemorrhoids) or piles and fissures (this is where a crack occurs in the anus which can be very painful). These conditions are totally benign and are often caused by excessive straining and constipation. It is important to have a healthy lifestyle in this situation, maintain your 5 fruit and vegetables a day, as well as ensuring an adequate fluid intake. To read more about this go to our lifestyle section.
There are other causes of rectal bleeding in IBS, but these are not so common and are unrelated to the condition. These include infections, inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, Ulcerative colitis), polyps, bleeding blood vessels (angiodysplasia), diverticular disease and rarely cancer of the bowel. These conditions can easily be mistaken by sufferers as 'it's just my hemorrhoids' which is why you should be checked by your doctor.
When you go to your doctor about this, your doctor will be very understanding. They will ask you questions about this including how long you have had it, whether it is fresh or old blood, whether you have an itchy bottom (pruritis ani) which is often associated with piles or worm infestation, if there is any soreness or discharge, and if there is any family history of bowel diseases including cancer. They will examine the area and may perform a proctoscopy or
rigid sigmoidoscopy
. If they haven't got the facility for this, then they may refer you to a gastroenterologist or surgeon to investigate this further. Tests that are commonly performed include
flexible sigmoidoscopy
,
colonoscopy
,
CT
and
barium enema.
Treatment really depends on cause and this is best discussed with your doctor at the time of consultation. I hope this section of my website has given you an insight into the
causes of rectal bleeding in
IBS.
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